Is Durham, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
73.4/100
waterverge.com Durham, KS — Water Quality Report
Durham's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 866 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 53 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Durham's water
Durham ranks #223 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Durham relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Durham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Durham, KS water safe to drink?
Durham's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 866 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Durham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Durham's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1000). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Durham's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Durham's water system has 53 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Nf Cottonwood R Nr Durham, N Cottonwood R Bl Marion Lk.
Where does Durham's water come from?
Durham's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 866 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nf Cottonwood R Nr Durham (river), N Cottonwood R Bl Marion Lk (river).
What Durham residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Durham's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Durham's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Durham
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Durham, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FLINT HILLS INDUSTRIES DBA HILLSBORO IND HILLSBORO, KS67063 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMarion County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Marion County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Durham's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Durham compares by contaminant
Explore where Durham ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Durham's water comes from
Durham's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 866 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Durham
Durham is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Durham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARION CO RWD 1 | KS2011510 | 780 | GW |
| DURHAM, CITY OF | KS2011502 | 86 | GW |
How Durham compares
Full Kansas rankings →Durham's score of 73.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Durham, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Durham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham, KS tap water safe to drink?
Durham's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #223 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Durham's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 53 violations are on record.
How is Durham's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Durham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Durham's water come from?
Durham's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 866 residents.
What health violations has Durham's water system had?
Durham has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Durham's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Durham uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 53 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Durham's water compare to other cities?
Durham ranks #223 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 31% of state cities) and #10088 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.